Forza Motorsport is renowned for its diverse car roster and thrilling track experiences. Yet, something crucial is missing for enthusiasts of automotive history and American racing heritage: a dedicated Stock Car division. Many players anticipate the return of “Rods & Customs” or “Hot-Rod Revival” categories, but these divisions fundamentally misunderstand the historical significance of these vehicles. It’s time to shift gears and introduce a stock car division that truly honors the legacy of these iconic machines.
The previous categorization of classic American cars as mere “hot rods” was a disservice. While visually customized, many of these vehicles boast genuine racing pedigrees. Giants like the ’57 Bel-Air, ’52 Hudson Hornet, and ’64 Impala weren’t just stylish cruisers; they were born to race. These weren’t just “hot rods”; they were the original stock cars, the backbone of early NASCAR. Ignoring this racing heritage is overlooking a vital part of automotive and motorsport history. Imagine dismissing legends like Smokey Yunick’s ’57 Chevy or the “Fabulous” Hudson Hornet – cars that defined an era of racing.
Instead of relegating these legends to inaccurate “hot rod” categories, Forza Motorsport should celebrate their true identity with a “Birth of Stock Car Racing” division. Even the venerable ’32 Ford, often associated with hot rods, played a role in early NASCAR modified racing. This isn’t just about adding old cars; it’s about recognizing and respecting the roots of American motorsport. Forza, while focused on track racing, shouldn’t forget that the very foundation of major US racing series was built upon these road-going cars taking to the track.
There’s a misconception that classic road cars like the Bel-Air or Impala are out of place in a racing game. A dedicated stock car division directly addresses this fallacy. It highlights their inherent racing DNA and educates players about their historical significance. The Hudson Hornet, a true racing icon, is arguably more deserving of a place in a racing game than some modern, less historically relevant vehicles.
Looking at the missing classics from previous Forza games, the absence is glaring: No Bel-Air, no Hudson Hornet, no ’64 Impala, no Plymouth Fury, no ’40 Ford, no ’32 Ford, no ’49 Mercury, no ‘55 210, and no ’64 Plymouth Belvedere. These aren’t just random omissions; they represent a significant gap in representing automotive history.
While cars like the C1 Corvette and Thunderbird fit into classic sports car categories, and even the ’59 Cadillac or ’62 Lincoln could arguably be included, the core need is to represent the true stock cars. Currently, Forza Motorsport lacks any American road cars older than 1965 that aren’t muscle cars. This leaves a massive void for classic American car enthusiasts. While appreciating the presence of other car cultures and types, ignoring an entire segment of automotive history is a missed opportunity.
Replacing the outdated “Hot-Rods” division with a historically accurate stock car division isn’t just about adding cars; it’s about enriching Forza Motorsport with a deeper appreciation for racing history. It’s about giving these legendary cars the respect they deserve and reminding players of the thrilling origins of stock car racing. Let’s bring the roar of classic American stock cars back to Forza Motorsport and celebrate the birth of a racing phenomenon.
